The astronaut candidates during the second series of aptitude tests. (Credit: Canadian Space Agency, MCpl Chris Ringius, DND)

The astronaut candidates during the second series of aptitude tests. (Credit: Canadian Space Agency, MCpl Chris Ringius, DND)

The astronaut candidates during the second series of aptitude tests. (Credit: Canadian Space Agency, Cpl Anthony Chand, DND)

The astronaut candidates during the second series of aptitude tests. (Credit: Canadian Space Agency, MCpl Chris Ringius, DND)

Photo of the astronaut candidate during the aptitude tests. (Credit: Canadian Space Agency)

Photo of the astronaut candidate during the aptitude tests. (Credit: Canadian Space Agency)

Photo of the astronaut candidate during the aptitude tests. (Credit: Canadian Space Agency)

What is your current job?

Software Development Manager, CAE Inc. - CAE is a world leader in training based on simulation technologies (e.g. aircraft and medical simulators). My role as software development manager for the B757, B767, B777, B787 and ATR aircrafts involves managing an interdisciplinary engineering team. Our mission is to complete the development of all new aircraft simulator features for all these aircraft.

Why do you want to become an astronaut?

My desire to become an astronaut stems from my will to go beyond physical and technological boundaries. I have always sought to surpass myself in all the activities I have undertaken. An astronaut career represents this, but above all, it is an opportunity to contribute to international collaboration that transcends borders. It is also an opportunity to be part of an effort to advance science while participating in space exploration, which is still in its infancy.

What motivated you to study in your field?

As far back as I can remember, I've always wanted to be an astronaut. After I took an astronomy course in CEGEP, I decided to look into different avenues of reaching that goal. I loved science, and I realized that studying engineering could help me bring my dream to life. That is also why I pursued graduate studies in aerospace engineering at McGill University in order to further expand my knowledge.

Think back to a teacher who had a positive impact on your life. What did she/he do to influence you?

When I think back to a teacher who had a positive impact on my life, my Grade 3 teacher, Diane Parizeau, comes to mind. Even though it was many years ago now, I remember how enthusiastic she was when she talked to us about travelling and different countries. She told us about countries that I had never even heard of at that age. I also remember how passionate she was when she taught us. Today, in retrospect, I truly believe that she helped make me open to the world and curious about the unknown.

What do you like best about your job?

I am still amazed by the fact that programming enables us to create flight simulators that airline pilots all over the world can use for training purposes. As software development manager at CAE, I play a key role every time we modify an existing simulator in order to keep it as up to date as the rest of the fleet. This gives me the opportunity to work on the latest aircraft models and learn how they work from top to bottom, which I would never be able to do in any other company.

Which living person do you most admire? OR Who are your heroes in real life?

One of the people who inspires me the most is definitely Elon Musk, entrepreneur and inventor. He founded various companies that have revolutionized the way we do things, like PayPal, SpaceX and Tesla Motors, to name just a few. I admire his desire to always push the limits of science and what we know. In my view, he is proof that challenging the status quo can lead to incredible discoveries. He inspires me to always go further in what I do.

What is your favourite sci-fi movie?

One of my favourite science fiction movies is Inception, directed by Christopher Nolan. I was fascinated by the concept of living in a dream dimension. In my opinion, it's a very creative movie that makes us think about our perceptions of reality.

What is your motto?

"What we hope ever to do with ease, we must learn first to do with diligence" (Samuel Johnson). I even bought a frame with that motto in it when I started university!